Whether you like a countryside hike to the pub or a more serious walking challenge, a pair of the best walking shoes is a must-have. Yet, I wouldn't blame you if the overload of options out there (and all the dull colourways) was putting you off buying some. With these Hoka walking shoes, Jessica Alba nailed the stylish-yet-practical brief.
Jessica posted while on holiday with friends in Austria and, probably for the first and only time, I had a few things in common with this A-lister. The first, thankfully, being the shining sun and warm temperatures. The second was her Hoka Anacapa 2 walking boots - they looked very similar to the pair I've been sporting for the past few years.
Hoka is one of my favourite hiking and trail running shoe brands. So, when I needed an upgrade, I went straight there. Since then, I have worn these boots for wet hikes in the Lake District, hilly strolls through the Peak District, and muddy ones in Wales.
Jessica wears an earlier version of these boots, but the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Gore-Tex walking boots are the new and improved model. They have a sugarcane EVA midsole, a Vibram Megagrip outsole (that's the thick grips underfoot), and a stylish, chunky sole that makes them supremely comfortable even over longer walks or rocky terrain.
Adjustable lace fittings, nubuck leather and a GORE-TEX layer line the top to create a supportive upper across the foot. Not only does this add to the 'locked-in' feeling, but it creates a totally waterproof layer that sheds water to keep feet dry. As I can attest (see the picture below), it really comes in handy in the wetter months.
Magically, I returned from this hike through the boggy fells and pouring rain in the Lake District with my feet still dry and comfortable hours later.
Given they are totally waterproof, I was surprised to find the Hoka Anacapa boots to be very breathable. My feet don't get too sweaty, and they are still a good option for these warmer months we're in now. They also dry very quickly, but I'd still recommend putting them close to (not under) a radiator, should you get stuck in a summertime downpour.
My record time spent in these boots is 16 hours, back in September this year. I went on a long hike, starting early in the morning and lasting right through the pub dinner in the evening. As I peeled off my boots at 10 pm, I was expecting a wave of aching, but none came. The comfort and practical support offered by these boots underfoot and around the ankle is second to none.
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In her summer outfit, Jessica paired the Hoka Anacapa walking boots with white socks, classic black gym leggings, a loose-fitting T-shirt to match her green boots, a black cap, sunglasses, silver hoops, and a black cross-body bag.
I often wear mine with my running shorts or workout leggings, depending on the season.
In her caption, underneath the photo covering the trip, Jessica wrote: "While we thought we were going on a leisure #hike, we wound up having about 89 near death experiences - it was basically rock climbing with no ropes 😂🤣".
"I almost fainted after looking down a few cliffs (#scaredofheights 😳) but we made it!! I never felt more like a city girl in my entire life -hence my dramatization ðŸ¤".
